Herlene Budol. Image: Instagram/@herlene_budol
TV host-turned-beauty queen Herlene Budol’s career in show businesses is looking rosy that she had to turn down an offer by TAPE Inc. to join the lineup of hosts for the new “Eat Bulaga” on GMA7.
Hosting a variety program is not unfamiliar territory for Budol, having joined “Wowowin” as one of Willie Revillame’s co-hosts in 2019. The 23-year-old actress-comedian, however, revealed that she had to turn down the hosting gig due to other work commitments.
“Sa tamang panahon naman po ‘yan, eh. May mga bagay naman po siguro na kung para sa ‘yo, para sa ‘yo,” Budol said, adding that she’d be delighted if ever she’d get the chance to join the noontime show another time. (It’s all down to right timing. There are things, I guess, that if they’re for you, they’re for you.)
The Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up also opened up about her feelings on the exit of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) from TAPE Inc. after more than four decades.
“Siyempre, simula nu’ng bata ho ako… nandiyan na sila [TVJ]. So, nu’ng nawala sila, umiyak ho ako,” Budol shared, adding how the news made her feel heartbroken. (Of course, ever since I was a kid, TVJ were already there. So, when they left, I cried.)
Budol is set to star in the upcoming GMA series “Magandang Dilag,” where she will play the lead role of Gigi. Joining her in the series are Benjamin Alves, Rob Gomez, beauty queens Bianca Manalo and Maxine Medina, and veteran actresses Chanda Romero and Sandy Andolong, who will play the role of Gigi’s mother.
Budol became an internet sensation following her appearance in “Wowowin” as a contestant in the show’s “Willie of Fortune” segment, and where she was nicknamed “Hipon” (shrimp). She was part of the 2022 GMA series “False Positive,” topbilled by Xian Lim and Glaiza de Castro.
Budol is also an official candidate for the Miss Grand Philippines 2023, which will have its coronation night next month. EDV